Pencarrow

Pencarrow - by Palliser Estate

New Zealand’s first permanent Light House -Pencarrowis set on one of the harshest areas on the New Zealand coast and has had many brave and hardy keepers over its lifetime. None more extraordinary than Mrs Mary Jane Bennett, who in 1855 took over the post of Lighthouse Keeper following the death of her husband - Lighthouse Keeper George Bennett. He left her with five children and a baby on the way.She went on to look after the light house for ten years.and we're sure there were times when she could have done with a glass of wine or two. For us she is a true character of excellence and one to be celebrated!

The thing we love most about this story is that it demonstrates strength in femininity, and reinforces our connection to Pencarrow and Palliser Bay, which is where our vines lifesource, the Ruamahanga river flows, and from where our weather patterns unfurl.

Our Pencarrow range showcases four of New Zealand’s most popular wine varieties, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc —all 100% sourced from Palliser’s vineyards in Martinborough. These wines are crafted by chief winemaker Guy McMaster who is a passionate advocate for regeneration and organics. He is a firm believer that if you look after the land it looks after you — for conscious consumers and wine lovers that translates to better quality wine that treads lightly on the earth.

Under McMaster’s leadership four of our six Palliser Estate vineyards are now BioGro certified organic, with the remainder under conversion and a goal that 100% will be organic by 2026. We say cheers to that!